Rachael Rees-Jones

Rachael Rees-Jones is a Lecturer in Strategy at the University of South Wales, affiliated with the Faculty of Business and Creative Industries and the Business Research and Innovation Group. She holds a PhD in Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (2021) and is an HE Fellow (Advanced HE, 2023). Her research focuses on high-growth firms, entrepreneurial resilience, and founder capabilities, with notable contributions to understanding business accelerator programs and dynamic strategies for scaling ventures.

Education:

• PhD in Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (University of South Wales, 2021)
• HE Fellow, Advanced HE (2023)
• Chartered Marketeer (CIPD, ongoing)
• BA Hons in Business Studies (Oxford Brookes University, 1998)

Research Interests: Rachael’s work examines triggers for high-growth firm success, the role of publicly funded accelerators, and psychological factors influencing entrepreneurial resilience. Her recent studies emphasize founder ‘sensing’ and ‘seizing’ capabilities as critical to navigating growth challenges. She actively contributes to policy frameworks supporting SME innovation and scaling.

Key Achievements:

• Recipient of HE Fellow recognition (2023)
• Lead researcher on multiple accelerator program evaluations

Teaching & Supervision: Module leader for Strategy Management and Business Strategy courses. Supervises undergraduate Management Projects and provides PhD/DBA supervision. Formerly served as University Link Officer coordinating BA Business and Management programs across partner colleges.